CA2195505A1 - Flexible toothbrush - Google Patents
Flexible toothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- CA2195505A1 CA2195505A1 CA002195505A CA2195505A CA2195505A1 CA 2195505 A1 CA2195505 A1 CA 2195505A1 CA 002195505 A CA002195505 A CA 002195505A CA 2195505 A CA2195505 A CA 2195505A CA 2195505 A1 CA2195505 A1 CA 2195505A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- neck
- neck portion
- accordance
- spring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
- A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
- A46B15/0012—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with a pressure controlling device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
- A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
- A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
- A46B5/007—Inserts made of different material, e.g. springs, plates
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
- A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
- A46B5/0091—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body promoting relative motion during use
Abstract
A flexible toothbrush comprises a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion. The head portion is integrally formed with the neck portion such that it is at an angle of approximately 0~ to 20~. The neck portion has a hollow chamber, where a leaf-spring is embedded within the hollow chamber and is bendable for providing flexibility on the neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual's teeth.
Description
FLEXIBLE TOOTHBRUSH
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the field of dental care. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of toothbrushes.
2. Description of the Pri~r Art Prior art toothbrushes are comprised of a head portion with bristles, a neck portion and a handle portion. It is common to have the head portion aligned with the handle portion to form a standard straight toothbrush. The problem with this straight toothbrush is that the head portion is not bendable, thereby providing less reach when an individual brushes his or her teeth.
Another prior art toothbrush has a head portion that is bent at angle to provide improve reach when brushing. However, this prior art toothbrush is made of a solid plastic material, where the plastic material is rigid which doesnot provide flexibility when brushing. The plastic material can crack after time, thereby causing injure to the gums of the individual.
2 1 9~05 It is highly desirable to have a very efficient and also very effective design and construction of a flexible toothbrush, where the neck portion is improved to provide flexibility for an individual to brush his or her teeth. It is also desirable to provide a flexible toothbrush that is made of a semi-rigid 5 plastic material, where the neck portion can be bendable under pressure and will not crack when brushing.
~ 1 95505 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a novel and unique flexible toothbrush for enhancing the brushing of an individual.
The flexible toothbrush comprises a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion. The head portion is integrally formed with the.neck portion 5 such that it is at an angle of approximately 0~ to 20~. The neck portion has ahollow chamber, where a leaf-spring is embedded within the hollow chamber and is bendable for providing flexibility on the neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a 10 toothbrush, where the toothbrush has a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion such that the head portion is formed at an angle of approximately 0~ to 20~ for improving the reach to brush an individual's teeth.
The neck portion has a flexible leaf-spring integrally formed for increasing theflexibility of the neck portion so that the neck portion is bendable for 15 enhancing the brushing of the individual's teeth.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having a neck portion, where the neck portion has slot apertures thereon, so that the slot apertures provide increase flexibility on the neck portion, thereby preventing the plastic material used to make the toothbrush from cracking.
2Q In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush is comprised of a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion. The neck portion has a front side with a slot aperture, a back side with a slot aperture and a hollow chamber. A spring tension is cenlrally embedded within the hollow chamber such that it is between the slot apertures on the front and back sides of the neck portion.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension is embedded within the hollow chamber and located adjacenl to the front side of the neck portion.
In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the spring 10 tension is embedded within the hollow chamber and located adjacent to the back side of the neck portion.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension is attached to an exterior surface which is located on the front side of the neck portion.
In an ad~ilional embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension is attached to an exterior surface which is located on the back side of the neck portion.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, two spring tensions are attached to an exterior surface and located on the front and 2Q back sides of the neck portion.
~1 95505 .
In still a further embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension comprises at least three flexible spaced apart cylindrical members embedded within the hollow chamber of the neck portion.
Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will 5 become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and th.e appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- 21~5505 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention flexible toothbrush;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the present invention flexible toothbrush;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of an alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of another alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
-FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of still another alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush; and FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent 5 applications of the principles of the present invention Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplalion of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims.
Referring to Figures 1 through 4, there is shown a preferred a embodiment of the present invention flexible toothbrush 10. The toothbrush 10 is generally an elongated rectangular shaped body 12 which has a head portion 14 with bristles 16, a neck portion 18 and a handle portion 20 Each of the portions 14, 18 and 20 of the toothbrush 10 have a distal end 28 and a proximal end 30. The proximal end 30 of the head portion 14 is integrally 15 formed with the distal end 28 of the neck portion 18 such that the head portion 14 is at an angle "A" in the range of approximately 0~-20~, preferably 20~. The proximal end 30 of the neck portion 18 is integrally formed with the distal end 28 of the handle portion 20 The neck portion 18 has a front side 20, a back side 22 and a hollow 2Q chamber 24 Each side of the neck portion 18 has a slot aperture 26 which communicates with the hollow chamber 24. The slot apertures 26 are provided for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion 18 and preventing the plastic material used to make the toothbrush 10 from cracking when pressure is applied to bend the neck portion 18.
Referring to Figures 2 and 4, there is shown a flexible leaf-spring or spring tension means 32 which is cenlra"y located and embedded within the hollow chamber 24 on the neck portion 18 of the elongated body 12. The flexible spring tension means 32 extends from the proximal end 30 of the head portion 14 to the distal end 28 of the handle portion 20 (see figure 4).
The spring means 32 is located between the slot apertures 26, where the slot aperture exposes part of the spring means 32. The spring means 32 assists lo in bending the neck portion 18 when pressure is applied to the head portion 14 of the toothbrush 10 for providing flexibility on the neck portion 18 for enhancing the brushing of an individual's teeth.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are shown respective cross sectional views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 110. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described above except that two spring tension means 132 are substituted for the single spring tension means 32 shown in Figures 1 through 4, the parts are numbered correspondingly with 100 added to each reference number.
The two spring tension means 132 are integrally formed and located within the neck portion 118 and adjacent to the front and back sides 120 and 122 respectively. The neck portion 118 may have slot apertures 126 for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion 18 and preventing the plastic material used to make the toothbrush 110 from cracking.
Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there are shown respective cross sectional views of another alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 210. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described in Figures 1 through 4 except that the spring tension means 232 may be mounted within a groove 219 formed on the neck portion 218 by two opposite screw pin means 231, and located adjacent to the front side 220.
The spring tension means 232 may also be mounted to the exterior surface of the front side 220 of the neck portion 218, and therefore, the groove 219 will not be required.
Referring to Figures 9 and 1~, there are shown respective cross sectional views of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 310. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described in Figures 1 through 4 except that the spring tension means 332 may be mounted within a groove 319 formed on the neck portion 318 by two opposite screw pin means 331, and located adjacent to the back side 322.
The spring tension means 332 may also be mounted to the exterior surface of the back side 322 of the neck portion 318, and therefore, the groove 319 will not be required.
Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there are shown respective cross 20 sectional views of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 310. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described in Figures 1 through 4 except that the three flexible spaced apart cylindrical shaped members 432 are substituted for the single spring tension means 32 shown in Figures 1 through 4, the parts are numbered correspondingly with 400 added to each reference number. The three cylindrical shaped members 432 are integrally formed and centrally located within the neck portion 418.
It will be appreciated that the spring tension means is not limited to the 5 illustrations shown in Figures 1 through 12. It is emphasized that while the spring tension means is preferably centrally embedded within the neck portion of the present invention, it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have the spring tension means mounted at a multiplicity of different locations not shown.
The present invention conforms to conventional forms of manufacture or any other conventional way known to one skilled in the art. The toothbrush can be made from several materials. The manufacturing process which could accommodate the construction of the toothbrush may be injection, thermoform, etc. or other molding process. By way of example, the 15 toothbrush can be made of plastic material while the spring tension means can be made of a flexible metal material.
Defined in detail, the present invention is a toothbrush, comprising:
(a) a generally elongated body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a front side, a back side and a hollow 20 chamber, each side having a slot aperture communicating with the hollow chamber for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angle of approximately 20~; and (b) a flexible leaf-spring centrally embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of 2 ~ 955o5 said elongated body such that the leaf-spring is between said slot apertures of said front and back sides of said neck portion, where the leaf-spring is bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual; (c) whereby said slot apertures on said front and 5 back sides of said neck portion increase the flexibility on said neck portion.
Defined broadly, the present invention is a toothbrush, comprising:
(a) a body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a hollow chamber and two opposite sides, at least one of the two opposite sides having an opening communicating with the hollow lo chamber for increasing the fiexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angie; and (b) spring tension means embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of said body such that the spring tension means is located adjacent to said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion, where the leaf-spring is 15 bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual; (c) whereby said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion increases the flexibility on said neck portion.
Defined more broadly, the present invention is a toothbrush, 20 comprising: (a) a body having a handle, a neck and a head, where the head is positioned at angle such that it is not aligned with the handle and the neck;(b) at least one spring tension member incorporated to said neck of said body, where the at least one spring tension member improves the flexibility of said neck so that it can be bendable for enhancing the brushing of an ~ 1 q~o5 individuai; and (c) means on said neck for enhancing the flexibility of saidneck.
Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment disclosed herein, 5 or any specific use, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus shown is intended only for illustration and for disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which the present invention 10 might be embodied or operated.
The present invention has been described in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent laws by providing full public disclosure of at least one of its forms. However, such detailed description is not intended in any way to limit the broad features or principles of the present invention, or 15 the scope of patent monopoly to be granted.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the field of dental care. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of toothbrushes.
2. Description of the Pri~r Art Prior art toothbrushes are comprised of a head portion with bristles, a neck portion and a handle portion. It is common to have the head portion aligned with the handle portion to form a standard straight toothbrush. The problem with this straight toothbrush is that the head portion is not bendable, thereby providing less reach when an individual brushes his or her teeth.
Another prior art toothbrush has a head portion that is bent at angle to provide improve reach when brushing. However, this prior art toothbrush is made of a solid plastic material, where the plastic material is rigid which doesnot provide flexibility when brushing. The plastic material can crack after time, thereby causing injure to the gums of the individual.
2 1 9~05 It is highly desirable to have a very efficient and also very effective design and construction of a flexible toothbrush, where the neck portion is improved to provide flexibility for an individual to brush his or her teeth. It is also desirable to provide a flexible toothbrush that is made of a semi-rigid 5 plastic material, where the neck portion can be bendable under pressure and will not crack when brushing.
~ 1 95505 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a novel and unique flexible toothbrush for enhancing the brushing of an individual.
The flexible toothbrush comprises a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion. The head portion is integrally formed with the.neck portion 5 such that it is at an angle of approximately 0~ to 20~. The neck portion has ahollow chamber, where a leaf-spring is embedded within the hollow chamber and is bendable for providing flexibility on the neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a 10 toothbrush, where the toothbrush has a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion such that the head portion is formed at an angle of approximately 0~ to 20~ for improving the reach to brush an individual's teeth.
The neck portion has a flexible leaf-spring integrally formed for increasing theflexibility of the neck portion so that the neck portion is bendable for 15 enhancing the brushing of the individual's teeth.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toothbrush having a neck portion, where the neck portion has slot apertures thereon, so that the slot apertures provide increase flexibility on the neck portion, thereby preventing the plastic material used to make the toothbrush from cracking.
2Q In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush is comprised of a head portion, a neck portion and a handle portion. The neck portion has a front side with a slot aperture, a back side with a slot aperture and a hollow chamber. A spring tension is cenlrally embedded within the hollow chamber such that it is between the slot apertures on the front and back sides of the neck portion.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension is embedded within the hollow chamber and located adjacenl to the front side of the neck portion.
In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the spring 10 tension is embedded within the hollow chamber and located adjacent to the back side of the neck portion.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension is attached to an exterior surface which is located on the front side of the neck portion.
In an ad~ilional embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension is attached to an exterior surface which is located on the back side of the neck portion.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, two spring tensions are attached to an exterior surface and located on the front and 2Q back sides of the neck portion.
~1 95505 .
In still a further embodiment of the present invention, the spring tension comprises at least three flexible spaced apart cylindrical members embedded within the hollow chamber of the neck portion.
Further novel features and other objects of the present invention will 5 become apparent from the following detailed description, discussion and th.e appended claims, taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- 21~5505 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention flexible toothbrush;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the present invention flexible toothbrush;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of an alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of another alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;
-FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of still another alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush; and FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent 5 applications of the principles of the present invention Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplalion of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims.
Referring to Figures 1 through 4, there is shown a preferred a embodiment of the present invention flexible toothbrush 10. The toothbrush 10 is generally an elongated rectangular shaped body 12 which has a head portion 14 with bristles 16, a neck portion 18 and a handle portion 20 Each of the portions 14, 18 and 20 of the toothbrush 10 have a distal end 28 and a proximal end 30. The proximal end 30 of the head portion 14 is integrally 15 formed with the distal end 28 of the neck portion 18 such that the head portion 14 is at an angle "A" in the range of approximately 0~-20~, preferably 20~. The proximal end 30 of the neck portion 18 is integrally formed with the distal end 28 of the handle portion 20 The neck portion 18 has a front side 20, a back side 22 and a hollow 2Q chamber 24 Each side of the neck portion 18 has a slot aperture 26 which communicates with the hollow chamber 24. The slot apertures 26 are provided for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion 18 and preventing the plastic material used to make the toothbrush 10 from cracking when pressure is applied to bend the neck portion 18.
Referring to Figures 2 and 4, there is shown a flexible leaf-spring or spring tension means 32 which is cenlra"y located and embedded within the hollow chamber 24 on the neck portion 18 of the elongated body 12. The flexible spring tension means 32 extends from the proximal end 30 of the head portion 14 to the distal end 28 of the handle portion 20 (see figure 4).
The spring means 32 is located between the slot apertures 26, where the slot aperture exposes part of the spring means 32. The spring means 32 assists lo in bending the neck portion 18 when pressure is applied to the head portion 14 of the toothbrush 10 for providing flexibility on the neck portion 18 for enhancing the brushing of an individual's teeth.
Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are shown respective cross sectional views of an alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 110. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described above except that two spring tension means 132 are substituted for the single spring tension means 32 shown in Figures 1 through 4, the parts are numbered correspondingly with 100 added to each reference number.
The two spring tension means 132 are integrally formed and located within the neck portion 118 and adjacent to the front and back sides 120 and 122 respectively. The neck portion 118 may have slot apertures 126 for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion 18 and preventing the plastic material used to make the toothbrush 110 from cracking.
Referring to Figures 7 and 8, there are shown respective cross sectional views of another alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 210. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described in Figures 1 through 4 except that the spring tension means 232 may be mounted within a groove 219 formed on the neck portion 218 by two opposite screw pin means 231, and located adjacent to the front side 220.
The spring tension means 232 may also be mounted to the exterior surface of the front side 220 of the neck portion 218, and therefore, the groove 219 will not be required.
Referring to Figures 9 and 1~, there are shown respective cross sectional views of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 310. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described in Figures 1 through 4 except that the spring tension means 332 may be mounted within a groove 319 formed on the neck portion 318 by two opposite screw pin means 331, and located adjacent to the back side 322.
The spring tension means 332 may also be mounted to the exterior surface of the back side 322 of the neck portion 318, and therefore, the groove 319 will not be required.
Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there are shown respective cross 20 sectional views of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention toothbrush 310. Since it assembles and functions the same as previously described in Figures 1 through 4 except that the three flexible spaced apart cylindrical shaped members 432 are substituted for the single spring tension means 32 shown in Figures 1 through 4, the parts are numbered correspondingly with 400 added to each reference number. The three cylindrical shaped members 432 are integrally formed and centrally located within the neck portion 418.
It will be appreciated that the spring tension means is not limited to the 5 illustrations shown in Figures 1 through 12. It is emphasized that while the spring tension means is preferably centrally embedded within the neck portion of the present invention, it is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention to have the spring tension means mounted at a multiplicity of different locations not shown.
The present invention conforms to conventional forms of manufacture or any other conventional way known to one skilled in the art. The toothbrush can be made from several materials. The manufacturing process which could accommodate the construction of the toothbrush may be injection, thermoform, etc. or other molding process. By way of example, the 15 toothbrush can be made of plastic material while the spring tension means can be made of a flexible metal material.
Defined in detail, the present invention is a toothbrush, comprising:
(a) a generally elongated body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a front side, a back side and a hollow 20 chamber, each side having a slot aperture communicating with the hollow chamber for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angle of approximately 20~; and (b) a flexible leaf-spring centrally embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of 2 ~ 955o5 said elongated body such that the leaf-spring is between said slot apertures of said front and back sides of said neck portion, where the leaf-spring is bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual; (c) whereby said slot apertures on said front and 5 back sides of said neck portion increase the flexibility on said neck portion.
Defined broadly, the present invention is a toothbrush, comprising:
(a) a body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a hollow chamber and two opposite sides, at least one of the two opposite sides having an opening communicating with the hollow lo chamber for increasing the fiexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angie; and (b) spring tension means embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of said body such that the spring tension means is located adjacent to said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion, where the leaf-spring is 15 bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual; (c) whereby said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion increases the flexibility on said neck portion.
Defined more broadly, the present invention is a toothbrush, 20 comprising: (a) a body having a handle, a neck and a head, where the head is positioned at angle such that it is not aligned with the handle and the neck;(b) at least one spring tension member incorporated to said neck of said body, where the at least one spring tension member improves the flexibility of said neck so that it can be bendable for enhancing the brushing of an ~ 1 q~o5 individuai; and (c) means on said neck for enhancing the flexibility of saidneck.
Of course the present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment disclosed herein, 5 or any specific use, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention hereinabove shown and described of which the apparatus shown is intended only for illustration and for disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which the present invention 10 might be embodied or operated.
The present invention has been described in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent laws by providing full public disclosure of at least one of its forms. However, such detailed description is not intended in any way to limit the broad features or principles of the present invention, or 15 the scope of patent monopoly to be granted.
Claims (21)
1. A toothbrush, comprising:
a. a generally elongated body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a front side, a back side and a hollow chamber, each side having a slot aperture communicating with the hollow chamber for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angle of approximately 20°; and b. a flexible leaf-spring centrally embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of said elongated body such that the leaf-spring is between said slot apertures of said front and back sides of said neck portion, where the leaf-spring is bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual;
c. whereby said slot apertures on said front and back sides of said neck portion increase the flexibility on said neck portion.
a. a generally elongated body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a front side, a back side and a hollow chamber, each side having a slot aperture communicating with the hollow chamber for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angle of approximately 20°; and b. a flexible leaf-spring centrally embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of said elongated body such that the leaf-spring is between said slot apertures of said front and back sides of said neck portion, where the leaf-spring is bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual;
c. whereby said slot apertures on said front and back sides of said neck portion increase the flexibility on said neck portion.
2. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said elongated body is made of plastic material.
3. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said leaf-spring is made of flexible metal material.
4. A toothbrush, comprising:
a. a body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a hollow chamber and two opposite sides, at least one of the two opposite sides having an opening communicating with the hollow chamber for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angle; and b. spring tension means embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of said body such that the spring tension means is located adjacent to said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion, where the leafspring is bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual;
c. whereby said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion increases the flexibility on said neck portion.
a. a body having a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion, the neck portion having a hollow chamber and two opposite sides, at least one of the two opposite sides having an opening communicating with the hollow chamber for increasing the flexibility of the neck portion, where the head portion is formed at an angle; and b. spring tension means embedded within said hollow chamber of said neck portion of said body such that the spring tension means is located adjacent to said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion, where the leafspring is bendable for providing flexibility on said neck portion for enhancing the brushing of an individual;
c. whereby said opening on said at least one of said two opposite sides of said neck portion increases the flexibility on said neck portion.
5. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said body is made of plastic material.
6. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said spring tension means is located within said hollow chamber and adjacent to said at least one of said two opposite sides.
7. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said spring tension means is located within said hollow chamber and adjacent to the other one of said two opposite side.
8. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said spring tension means is generally a leaf-spring.
9. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 8 wherein said leaf-spring is made of flexible metal material.
10. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said spring tension means comprises at least two spaced apart cylindrical shaped spring members.
11. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said angle of said head portion is approximately in the range of 0° to 20°.
12. A toothbrush, comprising:
a. a body having a handle, a neck and a head, where the head is positioned at angle such that it is not aligned with the handle and the neck;
b. at least one spring tension member incorporated to said neck of said body, where the at least one spring tension member improves the flexibility of said neck so that it can be bendable for enhancing the brushing of an individual; and c. means on said neck for enhancing the flexibility of said neck.
a. a body having a handle, a neck and a head, where the head is positioned at angle such that it is not aligned with the handle and the neck;
b. at least one spring tension member incorporated to said neck of said body, where the at least one spring tension member improves the flexibility of said neck so that it can be bendable for enhancing the brushing of an individual; and c. means on said neck for enhancing the flexibility of said neck.
13. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 12 wherein said neck comprises a front side, a back side and a hollow chamber.
14. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 13 wherein said means on said neck for enhancing the flexibility of said neck includes slot apertures located on said front and back sides and communicating with said hollow chamber.
15. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said at least one spring tension member is centrally located within said hollow chamber of said neck and between said slot apertures of said front and back sides.
16. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said at least one spring tension member is located within said hollow chamber and adjacent to said front side and between said slot apertures of said front and back sides.
17. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said at least one spring tension member is located within said hollow chamber and adjacent to said back side and between said slot apertures of said front and back sides.
18. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 13 wherein said at least one spring tension member is attached to an exterior surface of said front side of said neck.
19. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 13 wherein said at least one spring tension is attached to an exterior surface of said back side of said neck.
20. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 12 wherein said at least one spring tension member is generally a leaf-spring.
21. The toothbrush in accordance with Claim 12 wherein said at least one spring tension member is generally a cylindrical shaped spring member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/610,321 US5694658A (en) | 1996-03-04 | 1996-03-04 | Flexible toothbrush |
| US08/610,321 | 1996-03-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2195505A1 true CA2195505A1 (en) | 1997-09-04 |
Family
ID=24444570
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002195505A Abandoned CA2195505A1 (en) | 1996-03-04 | 1997-01-20 | Flexible toothbrush |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5694658A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2195505A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5850659A (en) * | 1996-03-26 | 1998-12-22 | The Smart Brush Corporation | Toothbrush with bendable head |
| US6041468A (en) * | 1998-03-12 | 2000-03-28 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Prophy toothbrush |
| US6182321B1 (en) * | 1999-11-11 | 2001-02-06 | Addway Engineering Ltd. | Toothbrush |
| US20030131433A1 (en) * | 2002-01-15 | 2003-07-17 | Pavone Bernadino J. | Orthodontic toothbrush |
| NO322158B1 (en) * | 2002-07-26 | 2006-08-21 | Jordan As | Toothbrush |
| IL196650A (en) | 2009-01-22 | 2015-06-30 | Mordechai Kirsh | Toothbrush |
| US20100263150A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2010-10-21 | Tessema Dosho Shifferaw | Toothbrush |
| EP2361528A1 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2011-08-31 | Trisa Holding AG | Oral hygiene device, in particular toothbrush, and method for its production |
| US20120042478A1 (en) * | 2010-08-17 | 2012-02-23 | Kelly Daniel Bridges | Adjustable Handle |
| US20140137352A1 (en) * | 2012-11-10 | 2014-05-22 | Lydia K Golla | Multipurpose Bendable Tool |
| US20150250361A1 (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2015-09-10 | Nedra Marion | Deformable Product Extraction Tool |
| US20160066678A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-10 | Filip Technologies, Inc. | Band support structure for wearable device |
Family Cites Families (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US882021A (en) * | 1907-01-26 | 1908-03-17 | John Schigelinsky | Bottle-cleaner. |
| CH155730A (en) * | 1931-01-16 | 1932-07-15 | Maximilian Dr Med Grac | Toothbrush. |
| US2438268A (en) * | 1946-06-03 | 1948-03-23 | Louis R Bressler | Flexible bristle head toothbrush |
| US2443297A (en) * | 1947-02-08 | 1948-06-15 | Louis R Bressler | Toothbrush |
| GB673516A (en) * | 1950-06-05 | 1952-06-04 | Louis Richard Bressler | Improvements in and relating to tooth brushes |
| CH312125A (en) * | 1953-06-01 | 1955-12-31 | Bohny Oscar | Toothbrush. |
| GB1158936A (en) * | 1967-01-30 | 1969-07-23 | Bernard Berning | Improvements relating to Hair-Brushes. |
| US3609789A (en) * | 1970-01-12 | 1971-10-05 | Frank W Slater | Disposable toothbrush and method of making the same |
| US4829621A (en) * | 1986-07-09 | 1989-05-16 | Phenegar John S | Toothbrush |
| WO1988001480A1 (en) * | 1986-09-03 | 1988-03-10 | Seong Nam Choi | Massage toothbrush |
| GB8807673D0 (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1988-05-05 | Lingner & Fischer Gmbh | Novel article |
| DE3923495C1 (en) * | 1989-07-15 | 1991-01-24 | M + C Schiffer Gmbh, 5466 Neustadt, De | |
| GB9203250D0 (en) * | 1992-02-15 | 1992-04-01 | Lingner & Fischer Gmbh | Novel article |
-
1996
- 1996-03-04 US US08/610,321 patent/US5694658A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1997
- 1997-01-20 CA CA002195505A patent/CA2195505A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5694658A (en) | 1997-12-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |